Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the members of Aqua Publica Europea have worked together to share experiences and approaches on how to ensure the continuity of essential water and sanitation services.

As cooperation and solidarity have proven to be important tools to face the emergency, Aqua Publica Europea publishes a summary of this collaborative exercise, for the benefit of other water operators that may face similar challenges. The document is based on the contingency plans shared by members and on the outcomes of a series of video-conferences held in March and April 2020 and involving utilities from all over Europe.

The document does not intend to provide an exhaustive picture of the complexity of the actions taken by APE’s members. Still, it can offer some useful inputs about the main challenges and operational aspects that need to be taken into account when drafting a contingency plan during a pandemic outbreak.